Clallam County housing committee schedules workforce-housing forum, weighs RV rules and federal funding uncertainty

The Clallam County Housing Committee voted to organize a workforce-housing forum and asked staff to return with recommended next steps at the committee's next meeting.

Committee members and staff met virtually to review a housing registry and ongoing projects, discuss pending state legislation that could change local housing options, and update the committee on federal funding prospects for local developments.

The forum is intended to bring together elected officials, private developers and employers to identify concrete actions to expand workforce housing. Committee members set an initial date for the forum on May 8 in the afternoon, and asked staff to present forum goals and invitees at the committee's April meeting.

Committee discussion and registry updates Colleen Robinson, a county staff member, reported progress on several local projects and openings for veteran applications, saying, “The roof's going on. ... We still have 2 units available.” Robinson noted construction delays from weather and staff turnover but said organizers are aiming for a late-summer dedication on at least one project. Staff also reported foundation pours at Northview Apartments and ongoing work on other developments listed in the county’s registry.

Peninsula Housing Authority matters Participants clarified that Peninsula Housing Authority does not yet own the Oxbow property; acquisition is still in process. Committee attendees discussed outreach from a Bellevue-based shelter operator that has sent letters about buying and rehabbing two senior developments in Sequim; county staff said they redirected that group to the housing authority.

Federal funding and project…